1.  Never assume your child will not be abducted.  Know that it could happen.

2.  Establish an open dialogue with your child so he/she can confide in you in case of trouble.  Instruct your child to tell you if anyone has asked them to keep a secret from you.

3.  Never leave young children unattended (at home, in  parked car, shopping cart, or public restroom), not even for a minute.

4.  Make sure your child knows his/her full name, your name, address, and telephone number, including area code.  Teach him/her to use the telephone, including 911 in an emergency.

5.  Have pictures taken annually.  For preschoolers, pictures should be taken quarterly.

6.  Keep records of fingerprints, footprints, medical records, birthmarks, and birth certificates.  Keep copies of any X-rays (hospitals will discard these over time).

7.  Tell baby-sitters or friends caring for you child not to let your child go with anyone but you.

8.  Teacher you child to avoid people they don't know well.  These people are strangers.  The ice cream man seen every day is still a stranger.

9.  Teach your child that adults usually do not ask children for directions.  If someone should stop in a car to ask for directions, tell your child to walk away.

10.  Have your child practice the buddy system.  There is safety in numbers.  Stay away from isolated and dark areas.  Avoid shortcuts.

11.  Teach your child about abduction at an early age.  If handled as just another fact of life, children need not be overly frightened by the idea of abduction.

12.  Teach your child never to go anywhere with anyone who doesn't know a family "code word."

13.  Do no place your child's name on any clothing or belongings visible to other persons.  This will make it harder for strangers to be on a first name basis.

14.  Teach your child not to answer the door or phone when home alone.

15.  Teach your child to come home at dark.  Remind them to phone home.  Know where your child is at ALL times.

16.  Know who your child's friends are, where they live, and their telephone numbers.

17.  Beware of any adult that showers your child with attention and/or gifts.  No one should care more about your child than you.

18.  Teach your child to go where there are people or to a safe house if they are being followed.  Tell your child which houses are safe in your community.

19.  Teach your child that it is appropriate to "make a scene" if here is a danger.  Teach him/her to yell "HELP!" or "I DON'T KNOW YOU,!" not just scream.  Teach them to fight and scatter belongings if they are forced anywhere.

20.  Be extremely cautious and thorough when selecting babysitters, preschools, and daycare.  Check references.  Know the person.

21.  Instruct your child to report any suspicious incidents immediately to you, such as someone hanging around the schoolyard or park.  Teach them to give a good description.

22.  Tell your child to never invite anyone into the house without your permission.

23.  Teach your child not to go into people's houses without letting someone know where they are.

24.  Make sure your child knows that no one has the right to touch any part of their bodies that a bathing suit would cover.

25.  Instruct your child to tell you, school authorities, or police about anyone who exposes private parts.

26.  Always accompany young children to public restrooms and accompany your child on door-to-door activities, such as fundraising or Halloween.

27.  If your child is attacked for money, jewelry, or clothing, they should give it up and contact police immediately.

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Adapted from:  Carnegie PA Police Department

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